Mental Health: An Unspoken Topic

As a reader and subscriber to “Men’s Health” I found it rather shocking that a poll in this month’s issue revealed that 68 per cent of men suspect they have some form of a mental health problem but have not talked to a doctor about it.

That poll of almost 1,000 men resulted in some interesting results:

When asked if they suspected they had a mental health problem 30% said they would work through it on their own. 19% would turn to their partner for advice and 18% would seek a doctor. 11% would first head to the internet.

Work was the biggest source for men not being happy followed by money, their partner and weight.

42% said that when something really great happens to them that feeling of being happy only lasts hours…29% said it will last for days. Meanwhile 4% said nothing ever great happens to them.

When we are feeling down 31% of us turn to exercise to improve our mood while 21% resort to alcohol or food.

32% of men said they have 4 or more really close friends that have their backs….13% said they have none. At the same time nearly half of the men surveyed admitted they have fewer close friends then ten years ago.

When asked how frequently they feel lonely or isolated 38% said “sometimes” while 29% responded “often.”

More than 1-in-3 admitted to having suicidal thoughts.

The average man graded himself a “C” when it came to his mental health and happiness.

45% said once or twice a week they just lose it and have either a public or private meltdown of some kind. 35% said that never happens to them.

In regards to crying, 45% admitted they have cried within the last month while 28% said in the last year. 19% said it was more than a year ago when they last cried and 8% said “men don’t cry.” I rarely go a day or two without crying, usually while viewing something on Facebook.